Miriam was born December 14, 1937, in Columbus, Georgia, to Sereno and Emma Beck. She earned her degree in teaching from Troy University and enjoyed teaching high school business and typing classes. Miriam was swept off her feet by a young Air Force pilot, Seth, and they married September 14,1962. They celebrated 50 years together. Miriam easily made friends wherever the military sent them, and those friendships lasted for a lifetime. Upon Seth’s retirement, they decided to settle in Gulf Breeze. Miriam had a natural gift for sales and began selling Avon. She was quickly promoted to district manager and enjoyed her work until retirement. After her retirement, she and Seth loved traveling in their motor home. Their biggest RV adventures included driving to Alaska several times - always returning with magnificent pictures and stories.
Miriam loved to write letters and send cards to friends and family. As she aged this became her ministry of encouragement to others. Her large remaining collection of greeting cards will be brought to her service, and our hope is that you will send them to your friends and family in her honor.
Miriam was preceded in death by her parents, Sereno Beck and Emma Dell Goodwin Beck, her devoted husband, Harroll Seth Johnston, and son, Todd Johnston. She is survived by her daughter, Leigh Johnston Shell (David) of Gulf Breeze, FL, granddaughter, Sarah Ayala (Mike) and great-grandson, Seth Ayala, of New Orleans, LA, grandson, Brinker Shell of Tampa, FL, and her brother, John Beck (Donna), of McDonough, GA and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, November 27, 2023, in Pleitz Chapel at First Baptist Church Pensacola followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM. A private graveside service with family at Barrancas National Cemetery will follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Mission First building project at First Baptist Church Pensacola (500 N, Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501) or to your favorite charity.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Hwy. entrusted with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BayviewFisher-PouChapel.com for the Johnston family.
